September 18, 2014

The cutest ladybug cardigan ever + the top comments that vintage wearers receive




Outfit details

Black satin 1950s hat: eBay
Pearl stud earrings: Claire's
Marietta ladybug cardigan: Voodoo Vixen
Red faux leather skinny belt: eBay
Grey 1970s does 40s/50s a-line skirt: Cereal Vintage Thrift
Red 1950s gloves: Unknown, had for years (likely eBay or thrifted)
Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore
Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue black patent purse: etsy seller MK Retro
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
Red patent faux leather pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Tony Cangiano
























Every time I wear this ultra adorable Marietta ladybug cardigan from Voodoo Vixen, which I've been doing a whole lot lately since receiving it as one of two thoroughly fantastic review products from the brand a little earlier this year (I blogged all about the other, the immensely beautiful Flora Dress in a post here last month), I'm reminded of the absolute plethora of these polka dotted insects that lived on the juniper hedges in our front yard of one of my earliest childhood homes.

I've never been the type who was of was terribly fond of bugs (being very arachnophobic doesn't help there), but these wee little critters didn't frighten me one bit and like many folks, ladybugs are pretty much the only insects I've ever let intentionally crawl on me. Proof positive if there was that beauty can be a game changer and how you interact with someone or in this case, something!

I love a great novelty cardigan, though objectively don't own very many (despite my rather large cardi collection), so I was especially elated to receive this beautiful black and red one from Voodoo Vixen. It's a splendidly soft viscose knit with some stretch to it that hugs the body marvelously. I generally like my cardigans to fitted, but not ultra skin tight, and this spotted insect adored charmer delivers there big time. The solid red coloured tie neck is another big point in its favour and helps instantly impart a further vintage vibe to this lovely garment.

Though red, grey and black is, no word of a lie, my default winter colour palette of choice (I wear it so very much between November and March that I sometimes have to make a conscious effort to sport other hues, lest folks start thinking I only own those three colours!), every now and then, loving it fiercely, I'll don it during the warmer half of the year as well, which is precisely what I opted to do when styling my beautiful Mariette ladybug cardigan for these photos.

A classic 1970s does 1940s/50s grey a-line skirt, a glamorous black satin 1950s hat (which strikes me, more than any other vintage chapeau I own, as one that Marilyn Monroe would have worn), red 50s gloves, classic pearl jewelry, black vintage patent leather purse, and red patent pumps round out the ensemble, which is just right for the not too hot, not too cold days of late summer/early fall (come winter, I'll slip on black tights and another shirt or blouse under the cardigan to help ensure I can keep on wearing this outfit even when we're up to our mascara coated eyelashes in snow again).

I've also been wearing this fabulously cute ladybug cardigan with denim capris, my grey 1940s style Heyday swing trousers, Freddies jeans, and with a red quilted 1950s circle skirt. I’m sure further ensembles will follow the longer I have the pleasure of owning this darling vintage inspired cardigan from Voodoo Vintage - which always, without fail, puts a big smile on my face when I spot it in my closet or wear it. Life, and one's wardrobe, needs a good hit of whimsy sometimes of the sort that only a cardigan this fun can deliver.

On the day when Tony and I took the outfit photos for this post, we also shot a video for my YouTube channel in which I talk about some of the top comments that vintage wearers receive from members of the public (and sometimes our own friends and family, too). I'd chatted before back in 2013 about a handful of the far more bizarre comments and questions I'd had directed at me over the years in a post called Strangers say the darndest things, but I hadn't overly addressed the more common, everyday sorts of comments that I receive before and felt that day was as good as any to do so.






Now, these are not the only comments I hear often of course, but the are some of the top contenders and as I know many of you receive such remarks and questions as well, I wanted to discuss them and let you know, especially if you're relatively new to the world of wearing vintage, that you're not alone in hearing such things. As I touched on in my video, I usually don't mind at all when people ask me questions or say comments to me about my vintage attire.

I am entirely aware of the fact that, objectively, I don't look/dress like 99.9% of other people (make that an even 100% here in my small town) and that that alone will always be enough to illicit curiosity. Fortunately, more often than not, the comments I receive are friendly, kind and well meaning, something that I know isn't always the case for some of my vintage loving/wearing peers around the world, such as this wonderfully lovely vintage couple from the UK who were recently in the news because of the challenges they've faced due to their vintage lifestyle and fashion choices (which is nothing short of criminal - we should all be allowed to dress, and live, however we please - so long as we're not hurting anyone, of course - without any fear of ridicule or rudeness whatsoever).

In posts such as I am Authentic to My Soul and Dress Like a Cupcake Should Feel, and many others here over the years, I have talked at length about the importance of wearing whatever one fancies and makes them happy no matter what those so-called haters and narrow minded folks out there might think, and this message is one that I will continue to promote for the rest of time.

Receiving comments and questions, assuming they're polite, from strangers and people I know alike doesn't phase me - shy as I am - any more in the slightest. After half a lifetime of sporting vintage attire, I've grown completely at ease with them and know that at least a couple (often more) will come my way anytime I'm out and about in public. It can be fun to see the look on peoples' faces, for example, when I reply that, "Yes, I do wear vintage all the time", for example. It is usually either a wide-eyed look of surprise, as though they themselves couldn't even remotely fathom doing the same, or conversely, a big smile and positive remark such as "That's awesome!" or "Good for you!".

Certainly another common type of question that I receive is where did I get a particular garment or accessory I'm wearing from, and numerous folks have already asked me that about this enchantingly sweet red and black Voodoo Vixen cardigan. I find that the general public is often more apt to want to know where to source repro, rockabilly, pinup, and vintage inspired pieces from, than full on genuine vintage ones, because those who don't wear old school vintage themselves are sometimes more apt to sport a modern piece that has a yesteryear look to it - and indeed, mid-century appropriate though it is, this cardi could easily be worn with more contemporary ensembles as well.

So, my lovely dears, just as I asked in my video, tell me, what are some of the most common comments that you receive when you wear your vintage (or repro, etc) finery? Have you found the public to be generally accepting, kind and polite where you live? What are some things you've been asked that you never would have expected? Do you wish that people would keep to themselves or you enjoy the questions about your appearance that come your way?

Personally, at this stage in the game, I fall into the latter camp. You just never know who, in doing so, you might help inspire to embrace and wear vintage more in their own life. I madly love, love, lovvvvvvvvvve vintage and any chance I get to chat about it with friendly people is a good thing in my books.

As is this cuter than cute, comfy, fantastic ladybug cardigan, which I think I might just have to sport again today while I continue packing up a storm for our trip in a mere four days to Vancouver Island. There's so much to do and so few days to accomplish it all in! I best hop right to it, like a ladybug flittering around a hedge, so that we'll be all set to leave at the crack of dawn on Monday, two week’s worth of vintage outfits all ready to see what kinds of comments and questions the lovely people of Victoria have about them.  :)

 
 

63 comments:

  1. I've been eyeing up this cardigan for a while - but I'm the opposite to you, I actually avoid black and red... when I thought about why I did this, I realised it's because when I was younger, I pretty much wore black and red striped everything while in my 'teen emo' phase and those were not looks to relive!! Oh and Marilyn would have loved that hat, I think. It's gorgeous!

    I've never received any comments, but I do tend to only dress with a vintage twist rather than full-on vintage looks. The main reason being that elements of the vintage clothes I like suit me, others don't. I have to be very careful about long skirts, for example, as I'm very short! It makes me sad when I hear about others getting unwanted comments though. I just don't understand why people feel the need to do that. I wish all of the comments were from people curious to know more and try it themselves for everyone's sake! CC x

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  2. Top comment I get: I can never find my size in vintage clothes. Well, me and vintage loving my friends don't seem to have that problem! In fact, I I find something amazing that doesn't fit me, I buy it anyway, because chances are either my skinnier or my bigger friend will fit it!
    Ann

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    1. Excellent one!!! I don't run into one all too often (sadly, there aren't many folks around here with a hankering to wear vintage), but I've heard it as well and though the same reply in my head. I frequently find vintage (and not just gloves, but gloves, hats and occasionally even jewelry) that is often too large or too small for me. Between genuine vintage, repro, and vintage appropriate pieces (and sewing/knitting, if you have that/those skills), I sincerely believe that just about anyone can put together a vintage wardrobe these days.

      Thank you very much for your comment, Ann - have a beautiful weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. One of the most common things that I find people comment on is my stockings. I have been asked numerous times where I bought my tights, which can start all kinds of interesting conversations when I explain that they're actually stockings. Mostly people are pretty polite round here, even though we have no vintage community to speak of. A lot of people stare, but I've never had anyone say anything especially rude to my face.

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    1. That's wonderful, sweet gal - neither have I in person (online I've encountered folks who were that rude, but thankfully they're few and far between). Very true! I get comments on my seamed stockings as well, with the most common being some variation of "Oh, wow, I haven't seen anyone wear those in 60 years!" or "Gosh, I remember my mom and aunts wearing those when I was little. Didn't know they still made them!". Along with some folks (usually young ladies under the age of 25) asking where I got them from. What kinds of comments do you get on your stockings?

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I wore seamed stockings to a pin up party and got so many compliments. And I did have several say they didn't know they still made them and several called them tights. :)

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    3. I've had one bad interaction with someone over on tumblr about my seamed stockings, it just makes me uncomfortable because to me stockings are intimate apparel and it skeeved me out to have some guy sending me questions about them. I think it depends on the person and the place and how they word their query.

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    4. I'm sincerely sorry to hear that. I too have run into folks (so far always men) who have fetishes involving stockings and/or feet (and also various other elements that us vintage gals often wear, such as gloves and painted finger nails) online and know how unnerving it can be to have someone say something wildly inappropriate to about your attire. It helps to remind yourself that you're safe and that you have the right to wear whatever you want anytime. I never reply to or engage in conversations with people who leave me such comments (or send such emails). It's incredibly rude and inappropriate of them to contact you in such a way and its always better to say nothing and block/delete their messages (especially if you feel uncomfortable in the slightest). If you ever need to talk more about this privately via email, I'm here for you, my dear.

      ♥ Jessica

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  4. I am amazed at the change of scenery here. I would have thought that you'd been on a trip near Vegas/Arizona. I really like how the simplicity of the background elevates the colors in your outfit. I'm kind of like you a little skittish about wearing bugs but when I was a kid I adored ladybugs. Really, they are beautiful little creatures. We see a lot of the orange Japanese beetles but these are different than the lucky red ladybugs. I love this outfit dear Jessica. So comfortable looking and love the bursts of red from the ladybugs:) Can't wait to hear about all your travel plans in Vancouver Island!!!

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    1. So true! Having lived here for many years (on and off) of my life, I can honestly say that the Okanagan is a place of a thousand landscape faces. You can find everything from arid desert-like hills (as seen here) to verdant forest, majestic lakes, wildlife filled marshland, scores of beige beaches and plenty of other settings to enjoy and take photos in the beautiful presence of.

      I can't wait to share them with you! As soon as we're back and I've had a wee while to recoup from the return trip, I'm going to start penning a post about our trip on the double.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your wonderful comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Jessica, I think you love that color palette because it looks great on you! Love the ladybug sweater. :)

    Sarah

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  6. Oh my! I can go on about this topic for hours! I myself really dislike the "attention" that I get when I go out. The most frequent comment I get is, "are you in a play?" I also get "do you look like this all of the time?" The "attention" would be the only reason in the world why I would change my style because id just like to be able to go out without having to say the same things constantly about what the heck I'm wearing. It's me! 1930s is my style and what appeals to me the most. It's just me! Well, the worst comment I've received was, "it's a bit MUCH, isn't it?" But I also hate how they go on about how you shouldn't be living in the past. It's MY style, my taste, what appeals to me!! Ugh! Sorry, I told you I could just rave on all day about it! Anyhow, the ladybugs are swell and you look like a million bucks! Great post again but don't I say that every time!
    -Krystle! 1930slife.blogspot.com

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    1. I get that entirely, dear gal (I'm soooo shy and rarely like to be the center of attention, especially amongst strangers). Interestingly, I notice that some people are a lot friendlier/chattier with me when I'm not wearing vintage (which is a very rare occurrence in public). I think that at times folks (who may or may not be shy themselves) feel intimidated when they see someone dressed in head-to-toe vintage attire and aren't sure how to react to seeing someone in person who looks so out of the norm (in their eyes). It's sincere shame that some folks don't understand that wearing vintage doesn't mean you're living in the past. We live in the present, we just love bringing some the best sartorial elements of days go by with us along for the exciting ride that is life.

      ♥ Jessica

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  7. First of all: you look so nice with this outfit, red is a beautiful color and you only make it more beautiful!
    And I also love your video because I try to wear as much as possible Vintage but at high school that's not always easy, even trying to explain your love for the past and why do you wear Vintage clothing is already difficult for them to understand. So this year at the beginning of this year at school I just didn't mention it but on social media they'll see that my life is a little different than their life and people that know already are very positive about it because they appreciate that I dare to wear what I love and they really support me! It's still high school so there people who have there own opion about everything so their reaction is sometimes really weird because they never say what they think but they way they look tells me enough.

    xoxo Emma
    http://littlemissbamboo.blogspot.be/

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  8. Oh! I also wanted to say about the husband question on your video because I get that once in a while as well, I've been dressing "vintage" for 19 years and have been married for 10 so he met me like this and loves being seen with me! He wouldn't exchange me for anyone and I love that about him because he is a full on east London 1970s punk and we are complete opposites but we have the best relationship and it just gets better with time. He loves me and his opinion is the only one that counts for me!
    -Krystle!

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  9. I love reading your posts. That sweater is so adorable. I agree with getting strange comments. I've been pulled aside and "Thanked" for dressing this way because women don't "dress" they way they used too. I've also been told I looked like a "doll" on several occasions. I try not to look "costumey" is that a word..lol. I have also been laughed at by "20" something girls.Oh well..blah! :) You look beautiful and impressive as usual. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, dear gal! I've heard those same comments as well. I know that there is a wide range of feelings on comments to the extent of that people wish more women still dressed that way. I personally see such remarks in a positive light and love hearing it, but fully understand the reasons why they didn't sit well with some women. I'm the same way - until last fall actually, I never (as an adult) wore a poodle skirt as part of my daily attire for just that reason, but than I got the chance to review a royal blue (modern version of) one and found I could make it work as well as any other circle skirt and not have it look costume-y.

      Thanks for your great (completely relatable) comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I love that cardigan (and the whole outfit)! I am wearing red today too, and my outfit is vintage today...so far no comments (although I do get them a lot) but definitely a whole lot of looks.

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  11. Love, love, love the ladybug cardigan and the adorable hat! Really cute outfit!

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    1. Aww, thank you very sweetly, my dear! I This is one of my favourite outfits of the year so far - anytime cute + glam collide, I'm in my fashion element. :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. The title said it all, Jessica.
    It is quite adorable, and t s something I'd like to have in my wardrobe, since: you can NEVER have too many cardigans. Not for my point of view. I think a cardigan can be sporty, edgy.. it can be preppy (it IS preppy, by some untold definition), and it is elegant. I have proven it many times. I wear cardigans to work. If well combined, they beat those fancy-blazers any day. :)

    Hug
    Marija

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  13. That cardigan is ridiculously cute, and I love how you've styled it for this outfit. The hat is darling (and very Marilyn, as you said), but weirdly, the piece that I'm crazy about is the skirt. I find it so difficult to find a well fitting vintage pencil skirt, and that one is divine on you, and a perfect fit.
    There are a fair number of vintage wearing folks in Chicago (one of the benefits/problems of big city living is that there are few styles so odd as to be truly unique), so usually if someone is actually asking me where I got something, they're also wearing vintage/retro style clothing. It's actually fun passing another woman on the street who's wearing something overtly vintage. We tend to exchange one of those complimentary glances that makes me feel like I'm part of some secret club. The most common comment that I get from folks, though, is something along the lines of "you look so nice!" or "you're so dressed up, are you going out?" It can be kind of funny to explain to someone that no, this is just your outfit, but thanks!

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    1. *Sighs daydream-ily* I have always wanted to have that happen - I don't think I could play it cool at first. I'd be so floored to actually, suddenly see another vintage wearer that I'd probably come across like a deranged fan (I joke of course, but I would be pretty darn excited about it). It's awesome that you live in a big city and get to see/meet others who share your passion for old school styles (and that the comments/questions you receive are positive).

      Thank you for the wonderful comment (so true about pencil skirts - this one is from the 70s and I've had a lot of luck over the years with pencil and a-line skirts from that decade),
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Your posts are such a pleasure to read, you write with so much passion and talent. I also adore your style! This ladybug cardigan is something I would love to own and you matched it so perfectly with the beautiful hat, gloves and skirt... P.S. Once I have more experience wearing vintage out in public I would love to share my experience with you.

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  15. What a great outfit, I really love the cardigan! I'm the same in that ladybugs are one of the few insects I'm not afraid of. They look like such sweet little things that I was always so shocked when I found out they're carnivorous! I love the area you've chosen as a backdrop too, what a beautiful place.

    It's unfortunate that I'm not at all surprised to learn that the couple you mention are from the UK; it seems such abuse has almost become the norm for people who don't fit the mould. Thankfully as I've grown older my skin has thickened and I'm able to switch off to it. I think the worst is when I've had people try and covertly take photographs of me, I can't help but presume so they can later mock (although who knows, perhaps I've inspired and they want to save it for later!).

    I hope you enjoy your trip!

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  16. I live in Southern California and I have some positive and some negative reactions. I have had someone tell me I looked absolutely adorable. I have also had people openly stare and laugh at me. It varies but most people seem to like it. I've been wearing a mostly vintage look for a year now and I love it. The negative reactions don't really bother me anymore but the positive ones make my day. Love the outfit by the way, adorable.

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    1. That is exceedingly rude and I'm very sorry that you've had such uncouth reactions to your fabulous vintage attire. It's almost amazing that in California, a state that boasts Hollywood and a huge range of subcultures, that there would still be vintage "haters" there. It's great that negative reactions roll off your back now - way to not let the naysayers get to you, my dear!

      ♥ Jessica

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  17. what a cute cardi - but i have to say, i love the satin hat even more!

    thank you so much for your lovely comment ... soon i will find the time to tell you what happened to us and our vintage collection ... phew!

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  18. Beautiful as always!! Love your sweater

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    1. That's wonderfully sweet, thank you very much, my dear. I adore this cardigan, too - it makes me want to add more ladybug themed items to my wardrobe. They've got a great sense of unexpected whimsy that I just adore wearing.

      ♥ Jessica

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  19. LOVVVVVVVVVVVE this outfit! Now off to watch your video hehehe xox

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  20. Hi Jessica, I loved watching the video. Thank you!
    The comments I have gotten over the years are :
    * you look just like my first girlfriend. you're beautiful (from an old man who lived in the old people's home where I worked)
    * i love your hair. you really make an effort with it.
    * what a beautiful dress. where did you get it?
    I never got a negative comment, fortunately, but I did get stared at and even pointed at. I just smile and walk on.
    I love that cardigan and the matching belt and gloves. And I can't believe you are thirty! You look so young!
    Love,
    Inez (from Belgium)

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  21. Such an adorable outfit- the ladybug cardigan is so cute and those gloves are sublime! I've never had someone make a comment about something I was wearing (except family members and friends :-P), but I've had people give me funny looks for sure. It's amazing to me that so many vintage bloggers have had people make strange comments to them. I could never muster up the courage to say something to someone even if I adored what they were wearing, never mind if I didn't care for it! Personally, I would love to see more ladies and gents wearing vintage in person! Vintage looks are just so eye-catching and fun!
    -Melissa

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  22. "Do you want to sit on my lap?"
    No, not you Jessica, that's what I've been asked, but he was pretty old. And drunk. I *was* dressed really nice ;)

    Most of the time I get asked what my "costume is", and I'm fine with that. Sometimes people will tell me they like what I'm wearing, or that their grandmother had hats too-that sort of thing. I get the old stink-eye plenty, but most people aren't bold enough to call me a freak to my face. I wear mostly 70's polyester though, so sometimes I think people are afraid to ask as they aren't sure it is a deliberate fashion thing, or just my old clothes. The peril of dressing a decade you lived through, I guess.

    Thanks to your video, I now know how the name of your town is pronounced (my guess was waaaay off) so now I'm smarter than I was five minutes ago. Thanks, Jessica!

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  23. Jessica my dear, you look so lovely. Seeing your face makes me smile. I love your use of grey with the red and black, it's unexpected yet makes perfect sense. I must have had your pictures in my head today when I went shopping, when I stumbled on to a ladybug brooch, I just had to have it. Just shows you are a real inspiration. I absolutely love the comments and compliments that I get. It feels nice to hear that other people notice and appreciate that I have put thought into and taken time to put myself together in a way that is uncommon.

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    1. That is so immensely sweet to hear, thank you very much, my lovely friend. I'm tickled pink (errr, ladybug red?) to know that I helped inspire you on the thrifting hunt. You know, now that I think about it, I don't believe I have a ladybug brooch. How can that be? I'll have try and remedy that asap! (The circle of inspiration at work! :))

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. You look very elegant, Jessica. I read the article about the UK couple who were bullied because they dress in 1950's styles. I find it hard to understand why anyone would care that much about how other people dress! Maybe they just don't have enough to do?!

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    1. It is unfathomable to me, as I'm sure it is to just about everyone in our vintage loving midst. Good point, that certainly must be a factor (nothing better to do), but it's by no means an excuse, of course. It's true bullying and is despicable. Thank goodness such extreme examples of negative reactions to vintage are few and far between.

      ♥ Jessica

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  25. First of all, I want to say you wear nice dresses. In this dress you are looking like a queen. I am an antiques collector but don’t like to wear vintage outfit. However after visiting your blog and watching this video I want to change my thought about vintage wearers. Thanks to share nice post with us.

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  26. Great Post as usual. Not saying this in a negative way whatsoever, but for some reason I imagined your voice to sound differently from reality. Weird how that happens in life sometimes. :p

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    1. Thank you! No worries, you were't the only person (by a long shot) to say that when I first started posting videos earlier this summer. I think people are often surprised by the juxtaposition between my relatively serious/academic writing tone and my cheerful, upbeat (and very young sounding) speaking voice and in person/on camera demeanor.

      ♥ Jessica

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  27. that pic of you looking over your glasses i want to frame!!!!!! love!!!!
    the cardi is just fab - especially on you! the perfect mix of classic and girly :-)
    because i wear mostly vintage inspired home sewn stuff with an old piece here and there but less accessories like gloves and hats the vintage thing undergoes the radar of most people. so i´m just the strange overdressed woman ;-) folks only stare - usually no comments. maybe because i´m older. or is it my bold attitude i gained while living in berlin for more then 20 years? ;-P
    now i have to talk to my internet con to play that video - it still makes problems ( the connection not the video) if we don´t talk again until - have a wonderful, fabulous trip!!!!!
    hugs&kisses and 2 weeks of sunshine over vancouver island!!!

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  28. you look fabulous, the gloves are divine. I get very few comments living in NYC but I do get compliments which are generally very nice. The oddest comment I get is "are you a girl scout, or affiliated with the girl scouts" I think its my 1940s style green pinafore but sometimes I get it when Im not wearing it!

    retro rover

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  29. Ohhh cute cute cute cardigan! I love that from afar it does not look like ladybugs just cute red dots and then when you get up close..surprise! wonderful :)

    Living in Toronto (as you well know) it is a very accepting town for walking around like you just stepped out of an I Love Lucy episode :) because of this I don't get stopped that often to be asked questions or given compliments because I'm not "different'. Yes I don't dress like many of the hipsters in my neighbourhood sporting 1990s clothes so I do stand out next to them but I still very rarely get approached. I find that at vintage shows or special events (like swing dance events etc.) I'm approached and complimented, asked about where I got this and that. Maybe because at places like this people feel more comfortable asking me these questions as opposed to stopping me on the street. I personally love talking to people about my style etc. etc. Even the odd questions make me giggle "going to a costume party??" ahhh love it.

    Great video and post :)

    Liz

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  30. Your cardigan is really cute! And ladybirds are very nice insects...someone says they bring luck! In any case red really suits you!
    Very special background for your photos...I love it!

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  31. I love this look... I agree, I'm not usually a fan of bugs (in life or on my clothing), but a ladybug is an exception because they are so lady-like (pun intended)
    Kisses,
    Sarah
    http://everydaystarlet.com/

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  32. I am actually the only person , as far as I am aware, in my town that wears Vintage clothing so I get a lot of questions. Mostly people comment on how good I look and that it really suits me. I hope they don't mean because of my age lol. Seriously, most young people comment that they love the look and want to know where I buy my pieces. Of course, here in Australia Vintage wear is very expensive so I mostly shop in Thrift shops or on ebay. My latest purchase was a beautiful cream coloured winter coat with a fabulous fur collar for only $5au. Bonus for me lol.

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    1. Hello my fellow vintage lone wolf. I receive comments to the extent that my style "really suits me" a lot as well. I've always felt they were said in a positive light and appreciate the sentiment, because to me it's a person's way of saying that they think I have a great sense of style (which is quite the lovely compliment).

      Vintage is generally very expensive here in Canada, especially in most retail settings, so I can certainly relate. Between that and often living in small towns (with little to no vintage available), I too have sourced a substantial percentage of my vintage online over the years, too.

      Wow! That's a great find! Congrats on finding a gorgeous, super budget friendly winter coat. Way to thrift!!!

      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Just wow. I know the cardigan is supposed to be the star here and while i do think it is just stunning, I am totally drawn to that hat! Wow I think that hat is really something. I too am fairly lucky as the only negative comments I have received were from my sister and little cousin (who is a one direction obsessed shorty short wearing tween) and well I don't take notice of that. My outfits are not always super authentic, though I still tend to stand out a bit with my bright lipstick and pointy-toed shoes. I don't mind standing out though. As a social wallflower and a bit of a loner I find that wearing vintage inspired clothes makes me feel less invisible and sometimes can be a bit of a conversation starter.

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  34. I live in Southern California and the best comment I got was you look adorable. It made my day. Most comments are positive but I do have some people that stare and laugh. North Orange County it isn't common to wear full vintage. I've seen more vintage wearing in la. Most comments are positive though they just wonder why I'm so dressed up. You look great by the way. I love those gloves.

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  35. Such a cute outfit, I love all of it. I also loved the video. As I talked about with you before, I'm new to this so not a lot of comments so far and all have been good. I did get strange looks at a bar the other day but I was over the top vintage because I had been at a pin up party. I had my hair in quite big victory rolls and I was wearing a very fluffy dress.

    I hate that some people have had people be mean. I dressed goth in high school so I figure it won't phase me much if people make rude comments, already used to them.

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  36. Great post,and I loved the video. That cardigan is absolutely gorgeous, you look amazing in it. xxx

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  37. I agree, that cardigan is the cutest!! Such a super look on you, really wonderful. I can relate to the questions you highlight in your little video (great camera quality by the way, and you really seem to have taken to being in front of the lens and are getting more confident with each one!). I have one to add - that people question your sexuality sometimes when dressed up in vintage!! This has honestly happened a few times when I've been wearing swing trousers. Odd. P x

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  38. Ahhh Ladybugs!!! So cute! and as always love you in red.
    In my small town/rural farming community when Im out and about (mail, walking dogs) I dress what people would see as "normal". When I do dress vintage I'm ignored for the most part. These people have seen me most of my life and I have never dressed altogether normal for most of that. ( in my teens there was the Princess Diana phase where I wore some great hats). So I get a roll of the eyes and "here she comes"look and the occasional "cute skirt", or "love the gloves". Last night we went out for dinner and I dressed vintage, got a few looks but my husband and 16 year old son said I looked great. That's what matters to me and not the world.
    P.s. I still collect hats

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  39. A Joaninha cardigan é lindíssima, adorei o vídeo e ouvir sua voz encantadora.
    Beijos

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  40. You look so, so gorgeous! Wow, that hat! I love the bits of red throughout the outfit. Black, grey and red is one of my favourite combinations ever. The cardi is wonderful and I especially like how the ladybirds are stitched rather than printed - a much more professional finish. I think I was a bit inspired by you the other day as I read this post on my phone, bookmarked it to watch the video at home on my laptop and then forgot about it until today. I'd been looking for a new chunky necklace and a vintage style smallish hat that would suit me this week and the ones I'd been gravitating towards and in the end bought are both black and red!

    Your video was great! I do need to watch the others - I'm keeping them for when I want something to listen to while I do boring sewing (tacking or darning) to liven it up.

    I mostly get very nice comments from people who say I look great or that I have a lovely dress. I have one 1950s novelty print dress that once got me 20 compliments in one day in a variety of locations which was nice but also quite overwhelming as I was having a quiet/shyish day. My friend who was with me kept count haha.

    I also wear all my vintage dresses at work as you can wear what you like (as long as it's not gym or beach clothes) and get positive comments there. I think the colourful prints have helped me get a reputation as someone who's fun and crafty/artistic but also very hardworking and mathematical.

    The only negative comments I've got have been when I was waiting for a bus and there were two 16 year olds who were making audible comments behind my back "looks like a lampshade", "must have fake boobs" and giving me scornful looks. I just put my earphones in and ignore them. They ended up being not allowed on the bus because they couldn't prove they were young enough to get a child fare and refused to pay the extra (all that heavy make up no doubt!) so I waved and smiled from my window seat as the bus drove past!

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  41. Beautiful outfit. And forgive me for being pedantic but it's funny sometimes when people misuse words. When you wrote "...to illicit curiosity," you meant to say "elicit" (which sounds the same as illicit). Illicit means illegal!

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  42. Loved the video! I've actually never been asked by a stranger about my look when I'm out and about. I've always suspected people think "don't talk to the crazy lady" haha. My friends have all been pretty supportive of my look. I did have an odd question on a double date though. My friend set us up and I had never met him before. About half way through the evening my date asked me "So you like vintage? Does that mean you're a racist?". I couldn't think of anything to say except "Uh, no?". There was definitely not a second date.

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  43. I love this cardigan! I have mixed feelings about bugs, but ladybugs have never been anything but adorable to me. I remember being in our garden in the US when I was about 6 or 7, and my mother receiving a package of live ladybugs in the mail, to release in the hope of battling the aphids. It was very exciting, and set them in the role of not just cute little bugs, but also Defenders of the Garden.

    I agree that Marilyn would have worn that hat! I recently acquired one that is exactly the same shape, but has black sequins around the border instead of the pleats yours has. It is such a gorgeous style!

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  44. I am glad that you get positive feedback for your vintage sense of style - it would be awful to be unable to express yourself as you would like because of playground comments. Sighs at the World sometimes. I love that cardi and almost more - your cute hat! How adorable is that!!

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  45. Cute cardigan and gloves! We can relate to what you said in the video. Where we live in Australia, it's pretty suburban and almost no-one wears vintage except for one or two vintage dealers. We catch public transport a lot and generally we get many stares, some smiles and some puzzled looks. People comment positively by saying we look "nice" or say they love the dresses we wear, sometimes asking where we are going or where we bought our clothing. This is fine to deal with and it's nice to talk to strangers which happens a lot more when wearing vintage. Plus it's not hard to ignore the stares. In the minority are negative reactions, particularly with young teenagers and early twenty year-olds who are influenced by current fashions and tend to make loud and silly remarks or laugh. The other group that act strangely are women in their sixties who don't understand why we would want to dress in a past era.

    - Kirsten

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  46. I didn't come to see your blog for a while, I am so sorry dear Jessica: busy life gets me really busy!

    I love the design of the blog and your new channel youtube... That's something my readers asked me often, but I don't feel comfortable with the idea (plus, most of my readers are english-spoken and english ins't my first language. It's already quite difficult to write my blog in both french and english... And I know I do too many mistakes so speaking english on youtube? argh! )

    This outfit is stunning! As always, I love how you match all the colours together.

    About your video, the most common comments I've heard so far is "Are you in a band / theatre company / folk festival / bachelor party". I assume how difficult it is for people to imagine you're wearing vintage style everyday. They are always looking so surprised when I respond, without doubt, "That's my everyday style" (with Lolita fashion, but I am wearing my frilly dresses the same way I am wearing my vintage ones... well, I believe so, you tell me?).

    Some people could be disrespectful but most of time, they're just curious to know why a young woman are wearing a vintage style! Most of them appreciated the look!

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  47. Wow, I simply have to add the ladybug cardigan to my wish list. It would match perfectly to my red and my black pencil skirt. And you look so charming with your red accessories. It is always a dream to see your outfits, dear. I always get nice comments and compliments about my outfits here in Denmark. Most think, in a positive way, that I am a vintage nerd. I also drive a vintage car and collect musik on vinyl LP's. At my job, which is a large company, some even come to me and tell about a shop I have to visit, because "it is just me". That's really nice. They have noticed my style and tell me about a shop they've seen. Wishing you a fabulous holiday. :)

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